Chris Kwok

Chris M. Kwok, Esq.

JAMS Mediator, Arbitrator, Referee/Special Master, Hearing Officer

Case Manager
Catrina Barnes
T: 212-607-2785
F: 212-751-4099
620 Eighth Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10018
CBarnes@jamsadr.com

Biography

In addition to his work as an arbitrator and mediator, Chris M. Kwok, Esq. is a teacher, facilitator, and mentor who designs and conducts a diverse array of programs, trainings and courses ranging from basic and advanced mediation skills, advocacy, conflict management, to the intersectionality of dispute prevention and resolution with issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, implicit bias, and identity. His students have included highly respected judges, lawyers and ADR professionals, students of prestigious universities, and human resource and Fortune 500 corporate executives.

Mr. Kwok is particularly adept at linking theories of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to the practice of helping real people, companies, law firms and organizations better understand and resolve disputes, address tensions, and better understand the complex fabric of historical, societal, social, racial and discriminatory underpinnings that are pervasive throughout business and personal conflicts. His decades of practical, hands-on experience as an advocate, mediator, community leader guide and enlighten his engagement. He understands human conflict in the context of our shared histories and has a special talent in helping to reveal how these relationships impact and influence the actions, positions and interests of parties in conflict.

Mr. Kwok has been a trailblazer in numerous Asian-American Affinity Bars and organizations, including National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), and his decades of scholarship and engagement make him a unique and sought-after speaker on matters of diversity, equity and inclusion and the Asian-American experience.

Mr. Kwok was born in China and raised in Queens. He joined JAMS after a 15-year career at the New York District Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). During his tenure at the EEOC, Mr. Kwok also served for four years as supervisory ADR coordinator, where in addition to his own mediation work, he oversaw employment law mediations across EEOC offices within the New York District Office region. He proudly helped create the Asian American Pacific Islander Network, where he served as its founding Chair. This organization served as the national Asian American employee resource group for the EEOC. He also served as the EEOC NYDO representative to the White House Initiative on Asian Americans Pacific Islanders.

On the topics of: 

  • Origins of Anti-Asian Violence
  • History of Asian America
  • Advancement of Asian American employees in the workplace

Chris is available for Teaching, Training, and Facilitation Services:

  • Keynote speaking engagements
  • 1-hour programs
  • ½ day Training/Facilitation
  • Full-day and multi-day Courses and Trainings
  • Tailored Conflict Resolution, Diversity and Inclusion interventions


For additional information on tailored programs, courses and facilitation services, or to book Mr. Kwok for a speaking engagement, please contact his Case Manager.

Selected Publications and Presentations:

Mr. Kwok is the co-executive editor of the AABANY/Paul Weiss Report: “A Rising Tide of Hate and Violence Against Asian Americans in New York During COVID-19: Impact, Causes, Solutions.” Related Press Release.

Mr. Kwok has spoken at leading organizations including:

  • Law Firms
  • Bar Associations
  • Educational Institutions
  • Major companies in the Financial Services, Health Insurance, Insurance and Technology Investing sectors

Mr. Kwok is a widely-cited authority and has appeared as a guest speaker or expert on media outlets including blogs, newspapers and podcasts, including:

  • NPR
  • CBS 2 - NYC Local News
  • Fox 5 - NYC Local News
  • ABC - Australian Broadcasting Company
  • Gothamist
  • PBS - Metrofocus
  • RTHK - Radio Television Hong Kong
  • SCMP - South China Morning Post
  • NY Times
  • NY Magazine
  • NY Daily News
  • Politico
  • The City
  • LA Magazine
  • CNN
  • NY Metro
  • Today.com
  • HBO/HBO Max

Selected Presentations:

  • Guest Speaker, “Diversity and Inclusion: A Social and Professional Responsibility,” Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, September 2021
  • Panelist, “Empowering Diverse Lawyers to Pursue Pathways in ADR,” Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association, June 2021
  • Panelist, “Bruins Speak: Anti-Asian Racism, Athletics, and Social Justice,” UCLA Undergraduate Education Academic Advancement Program, May 2021
  • Moderator, “ADR Trends 2021 & Increasing Selection of Diverse Neutrals,” National Bar Association (NBA), National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), April 2021

Selected Media:

Completed Virtual ADR training conducted by the JAMS Institute, the training arm of JAMS.

Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY)

  • Chair, Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, 2022
  • Co-Chair, Asia Practice Committee, 2017-2022
  • Issues Committee, Co-Chair, 2015-2022
  • AABANY MVP Award, 2017
  • Labor & Employment Committee, Co-Chair, 2014-2016

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)

  • Dispute Resolution Committee, Founding Co-Chair, 2017

Chinese American Citizens Alliance, Greater New York

  • National Representative, 2017-2022
  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, New York District Office, 2003–2018
    • Supervisory ADR Coordinator, Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit, 2014–2018
    • ADR Mediator, Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit, 2006–2014
    • Federal Investigator, Enforcement Unit, 2004–2006
    • Pro Bono/Contract Mediator, 2003–2004
  • Bar Admissions: California, 2000; New York, 2007
  • J.D., UCLA School of Law, 2000
  • B.A., Cornell University, 1996

Counsel Comments

    • "Chris was exceptionally well prepared, and we spent no time getting him up to speed. He was measured and successful in showing both sides the strengths and weaknesses in their cases. We would definitely use him again."
    • "Chris was a fantastic in a case I thought had no chance of resolving. He got it done. His wealth of experience is a given, but it was his ability to connect with my client (and establish trust) that ultimately got the case settled."

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This page is for general information purposes.  JAMS makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy or completeness.  Interested persons should conduct their own research regarding information on this website before deciding to use JAMS, including investigation and research of JAMS neutrals. See More

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